Winter understandably gets more attention than any other season in Aspen Snowmass (as it should, due to the abundance of winter activities and stunning views in the Roaring Fork Valley), but in many ways, September is even better. The crowds of tourists have begun to dissipate and things start to get quiet, giving you more space and time to enjoy all we have to offer. It’s easier to get reservations at restaurants, and our little piece of mountain paradise becomes even more enjoyable.
Aspen’s September weather is also ideal for a variety of events and adventures. Temperatures average in the 60s and low 70s, which is perfect for strolling around town; all you need is a light jacket.
Aspen’s roster of annual September events begins with the Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience. After an exciting start, September continues with hot-air balloons, leaf-peeping, gondola rides and world-famous eateries. Visit Aspen Snowmass in September to take advantage of the full Colorado experience before the snow falls.
Here are some of our favorite Aspen Snowmass September events and activities:
1. TREAT YOUR EARS TO THE JAZZ ASPEN SNOWMASS LABOR DAY EXPERIENCE
Immerse yourself in three full days of continuous live music in Aspen Snowmass. You’ll instantly recognize the names of every act. At the start of every September, the JAS Labor Day Experience offers an immersive outdoor concert and musical celebration over Labor Day weekend at Snowmass Town Park. You’ll experience three to five performances per day, representing a wide range of musical genres. Single-day performance tickets are also available in case you’ve got a full itinerary of September activities to pack into your Aspen vacation.
2. LEAF PEEP ON ASPEN’S WINDING MOUNTAIN ROADS
New England colors don’t change until October, but the leaves in Aspen Snowmass start their annual show weeks earlier. Every September, you’ll see the spectacular bright yellows and warm oranges covering the mountainsides and valleys around the Aspen valley. If you drive along Castle Creek Road or Maroon Creek Road south of Aspen, you’ll witness an abundance of memorable autumn views as you wind higher and higher in elevation. You’ll see box elders, Rocky Mountain maples, and quaking aspens lit up in vibrant hues, set off by the darker native evergreens which give Aspen’s local September landscape depth and intrigue. For more routes worth the drive, see our guide to the best scenic drives near Aspen.
3. GONDOLA AND LIFT-SERVED PANORAMIC VIEWS
One of our favorite ways to take in the beauty of September in Aspen is via the views from the top of Aspen Mountain and the top of Elk Camp at Snowmass. In the winter, the gondolas and chairlifts are the fastest ways to get to the top of the ski slopes. In September, you can ride either the Silver Queen Gondola in Aspen or the Elk Camp Gondola and upper Elk Camp chairlift at Snowmass for glorious views of the colorfully covered mountainsides. Various on-mountain restaurants are open and ready to serve you an indoor or al fresco autumn meal. For a longer-lasting, more intimate view of the leaves in Aspen Snowmass without the price of lift tickets, you can hike up the mountains, then ride back down for free.
4. WATCH THE SKY AT THE ANNUAL SNOWMASS BALLOON FESTIVAL
Each year (in late September), Aspen Snowmass hosts one of the highest-altitude hot air balloon events in the United States. The Snowmass Balloon Festival attracts 30+ pilots to engage in balloon challenges and races. Colorful competitors gracefully float above the treetops, then off and away to the finish line. The festival kicks off with a Friday-evening Night Glow, when tethered balloons light up after dark, followed by morning launches over the weekend. Numerous booths and activities surround the staging area to further entertain (and feed) active, excited children and their parents.
5. ENJOY FANTASTIC DINING IN ASPEN AND SNOWMASS
September in Aspen (and in Snowmass Base Village) is usually the last month when outdoor dining is a comfortable option, and you’ll find plenty of accommodating establishments in town. Aspen Snowmass has a magnificent array of high-quality dining options for families and couples to enjoy all year long. September evenings in Aspen Snowmass usually bring a bit of a chill, so you may find yourself seated indoors instead of out for a cozy meal or a coffee with dessert. Our concierge team is happy to help with reservations and recommendations.
6. TRY A MOUNTAIN BIKING ADVENTURE IN SNOWMASS
The undulating terrain of Aspen Snowmass was made for mountain biking, and the Roaring Fork region has hundreds of miles of trails. You’ll find turn after turn of breathtaking scenery that you might swear just jumped off a postcard.
For those who enjoy the challenge of a climb, the Tom Blake Trail is a favorite local intermediate singletrack. It’s a relatively low-impact ride that winds through bright, changing foliage and will reward you with breathtaking mountain vistas.
If climbing isn’t your thing, visit the Snowmass Bike Park to be carried up the mountain via gondola and chairlift. All you’ll have to do is stay on your bike as you quickly cruise downhill on swooping trails with features like berms, tabletops, obstacles, and drops. For more on where to ride, see our guide to mountain biking in Aspen Snowmass.
7. EXPLORE HIGH-REWARD HIKING TRAILS ALONG INDEPENDENCE PASS
You don’t need a bike or a car to get a dose of Aspen’s local September scenery. Experienced hikers can follow trails from Independence Pass through the local woodland (you might even find some wild berries for a snack). Independence Pass follows the wild Roaring Fork River and drifts up to the Continental Divide, and is the origin point for numerous high-alpine scenic hikes. A nail-biting (but perfectly safe) 45-minute drive from downtown Aspen can become days’ worth of hiking adventures on foot. Trails vary in difficulty, but beginners and experts alike can find a day hike that’s just the right level of challenge. Browse a few of our favorites in Exploring Aspen’s Best Hiking Trails.
8. COUNT THE TACKLES AND BRUISES AT ASPEN RUGGERFEST
Aspen Ruggerfest is a world-class rugby competition, held on the third weekend of September, that draws roughly 30 to 50 teams from the continental United States, Hawaii, the Southern Hemisphere, and Europe. Come see some of the top rugby teams compete for the Ruggerfest title and bragging rights on Aspen’s legendary rugby pitches at Wagner and Rio Grande parks.
9. CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE IN THE LOST FOREST
In Snowmass, you can choose a September adventure that satisfies your thirst for adrenaline as well as your desire for stunning visuals. Take the Elk Camp gondola to the Lost Forest, a dynamic mid-mountain playground for adventurers of all ages. You and your friends and family can fill your days on the zipline, in the ropes course, or on the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster. If you need a lower-key experience but love soaking up the mountain scenery, you’ll also find miles of hiking trails, a high-alpine fishing pond, a disc golf course, and a rock climbing wall.
10. SEPTEMBER RAFTING IN THE ASPEN VALLEY
Yes, Aspen’s temperatures start to drop in September, but there’s still time to get on the river! The Roaring Fork River, which runs from Aspen to Glenwood Springs, has fun whitewater rafting for all abilities, ages, and adventure levels. Along Aspen’s Roaring Fork, between Woody Creek and Basalt, you’ll be guided through Class 3 rapids that are fun for family trips. Once the river passes Carbondale, the Roaring Fork gets wider; the calm water is perfect for relaxing floats surrounded by stunning September scenery. See our full guide to Aspen Snowmass whitewater rafting for outfitters and skill levels.
CHOOSE YOUR HOME BASE FOR ASPEN SNOWMASS ADVENTURES
No matter the activities you prefer and regardless of your favorite season, there’s no denying that the fine dining and mountain trails make Aspen Snowmass an amazing place to visit with your family.
Once the sun sets and the early-September evening chill hits the air, your perfect mountain adventure can end with a cozy evening indoors at your Aspen vacation rental. Because September crowds are smaller, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, whether you prefer basic or luxury accommodations. Browse our Aspen vacation rentals and Snowmass vacation rentals to find the right fit.
Be sure to book your stay early to get the perfect spot for enjoying September’s Aspen Snowmass events!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the best events in Aspen Snowmass in September?
The three marquee September events are the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience over Labor Day weekend, Aspen Ruggerfest on the third weekend, and the Snowmass Balloon Festival on the last weekend. Beyond the events, September is prime time for leaf-peeping, gondola rides, hiking, mountain biking, and rafting.
When is the Snowmass Balloon Festival?
The Snowmass Balloon Festival is held on the last weekend of September at Snowmass Town Park. It runs three days, beginning with a Friday-evening Night Glow followed by morning balloon launches on Saturday and Sunday. It’s free to attend. Check the official event page for the current year’s dates.
When is Aspen Ruggerfest?
Aspen Ruggerfest takes place on the third weekend of September, running Thursday through Sunday at Wagner Park and Rio Grande Park in downtown Aspen. Confirm current dates on the Ruggerfest website.
When does the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience happen?
The JAS Labor Day Experience runs over Labor Day weekend (Friday through Sunday) at Snowmass Town Park. Both single-day and three-day passes are available through Jazz Aspen Snowmass.
When do the leaves change color in Aspen?
Fall color in Aspen Snowmass typically peaks from late September into early October, though the aspens often begin turning in mid-September. Castle Creek Road, Maroon Creek Road, and Independence Pass are among the best spots to see the yellows and oranges. Timing varies year to year with weather and elevation.
What is the weather like in Aspen in September?
September daytime temperatures in Aspen average in the 60s and low 70s, ideal for hiking and strolling town. Evenings turn crisp and can dip near freezing at higher elevations, so layers and a light jacket are recommended, especially for early-morning balloon viewing.
Can you still hike, bike, and raft in Aspen in September?
Yes. September is one of the best months for outdoor recreation in Aspen Snowmass. Trails are open for hiking and mountain biking, and the Roaring Fork River still offers whitewater rafting for a range of skill levels, all against a backdrop of turning fall color.
Is September a good time to visit Aspen Snowmass?
September is one of the best-value and least-crowded times to visit. Summer crowds thin out, restaurant reservations are easier to get, the weather stays mild, and the fall colors arrive, all while the major September events keep the calendar full. Booking lodging early is still recommended.
